Historically, existing wetland areas within the park were part of a much larger wetland complex that drained into Minnehaha Creek. Over the years, development of the city park and adjacent residential areas has resulted in substantial filling of wetland areas and sediment deposit from municipal storm sewers.

More than 500 acres of fully developed residential areas currently drain through Pamela Park discharging into Minnehaha Creek. Nutrient and sediment loads flowing into lake from urban storm water runoff have affected the lake's water quality and reduced water depths. This runoff contains sediments, phosphorous and other pollutants that hurt water quality.

Neighborhood residents have expressed concerns about declining water quality conditions and general degradation of Pamela Lake. They also have observed that the variety of wildlife species and plant diversity in and around the Lake has diminished over the years.

Shallow water levels in Pamela Lake have contributed to dense weed growth and significant reductions in fish population. The average depth of the lake is approximately two-feet, with a maximum depth of four-feet in the center. Sediment deltas, (deposits of dirt and rock) have also formed at the outlets from the two major storm sewers flowing into the South end of the lake.

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